Lynda Lucas CD Review

Lynda Lucas

Ode to Someone

Angela Macari O’Looney

Lynda Lucas is a singer/songwriter from Dublin, who has been performing onstage from a very young age. In 1994 she began gigging as a solo artist, later joining Dublin Bluegrass band The Cherry Pickers in 2000.

She has played many major venues including Vicar St. and has an impressive repertoire which includes her own songs, plus material from Hank Williams, Emy Lou Harris and The Carter Family.

With velvety vocals that glide effortlessly from vulnerable to powerful, she has a penchant for Bluesy/ Country style melody lines, and is an accomplished guitarist. Lynda achieved her lifelong ambition to perform and record in Nashville and has used her experience to put together this beautiful debut album.

The first track is the title of the album Ode to Someone and is a sweet trickling number, with sad lyrics, devoted to Lynda’s mother Alice, who died tragically in 1983 aged 40. It tells a story about broken dreams, a life cut short and the loved ones who are left to mourn. The melody line is delicious and Lynda tells the story with emotion.

Walk Away is my favourite number. With gorgeous chords it was written for Lynda by Jane Stradwick. I adore the melody line of this number, the chorus in particular. The lyrics are about a strained relationship that appears perfect to the outside world. Everyone is looking at us tonight and saying we look just right/ Oh what a lie/ Hand in hand and both gritting our teeth and hiding what’s underneath and I don’t know why. Lynda’s voice seems to caress each delicious note with unbelievable conviction.

Rusty Rings is yet another sorrowful song. Sad lyrics are poured out; with candy sweet chord changes from majors to minors are all key features here.

Time passing you by is a really bluesy song, with guitar notes being for me the highlight. I like the short guitar solo mid way through, with Lynda proving she has one of the most appealing country voices around and a fantastic range!

Place to be has a lovely rhythm and is a pleasant change from the previous slower songs. It has a happier vein running through it too, which is refreshing.

Unconditional Love is the last song on this six track CD and is upbeat, with lovely lyrics, but the melody line is a little bit bland after some of the previous songs, which are so memorable.

I enjoyed listening to this moody collection of songs and even though I wouldn’t consider myself a lover of Bluegrass/Country music, I find it soothing and laid back. On the CD she is accompanied by Guitarist/Singer Brendan Priestly. The album art depicts a black and white photo of the lady herself, as lovely and seductive as her voice, as she stands with her acoustic guitar by her side under a tree.